A/C tail numbers

[ASUPilot]

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/pho...F-0986R-288.jpg

On the tail of this F-22 there are the numbers 03(small) and 046 (large).

Does this mean the plane was built in calender 2003 or paid for in FY2003? Also, does the 046 indicate its serial/production number from the assembly line?

Thanks!

[ClearedHot]

It means the funding line from congress to the USAF to the Contractor was in FY03. 046 is the number assigned by the USAF to denote sequence of production.

[ASUPilot]

Thanks CH.